A group of children gathers at the edge of the sea, their forms loosely suggested by swift, expressive brushstrokes. At the left, two adult figures stand draped in dark, heavy garments, their heads bowed as they watch over the children. The children, painted in tones of ochre, rose, and pale cream, cluster together in the shallow surf, some half-turned toward the water and others toward the adults.

The waves break in frothy whites and blues, rendered with energetic sweeps of paint that capture the restless movement of the sea. Above the horizon, the sky is a dense, moody grey, tinged with hints of pink and violet, suggesting an overcast or late afternoon light. Three bright yellow shapes in the distance evoke the sails or funnels of ships, their color standing out against the dark water and sky.

The composition is horizontal, with the figures arranged in a frieze-like band across the lower half of the canvas, while the sea and sky dominate the upper portion. The artist uses broad, visible brushstrokes, especially in the garments and water, leaving areas of the canvas thinly painted or exposed, which adds to the sense of immediacy and spontaneity. Details of faces and hands are only roughly indicated, focusing attention on the overall mood and movement rather than individual identities.

The painting’s unfinished quality, with sketchy outlines and areas of bare canvas, reveals its nature as a preparatory study rather than a finished work. Study for ‘Sad Inheritance’ is made by Joaquín Sorolla, as given in the title.